Meaning: The quote, "It is evident that in the period designated as that of the kings, when Rome commenced her career of conquest, she was, for that time and country, a great and wealthy city," by historian Goldwin Smith, refers to the early history of Rome and its emergence as a significant power in the ancient world. This quote sheds light on the period known as the Roman Kingdom, which preceded the establishment of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire.

During the period of the kings, Rome witnessed a significant transformation from a small settlement to a powerful city-state. The city's expansion and acquisition of wealth and resources laid the foundation for its future dominance in the Mediterranean region. Goldwin Smith's quote emphasizes the remarkable growth and prosperity that characterized Rome during this formative period.

The Roman Kingdom, traditionally dated from 753 BC to 509 BC, was a crucial phase in Rome's development. It was during this time that Rome's legendary founders, Romulus and Remus, were believed to have established the city. As Rome expanded its influence and embarked on a series of conquests, it accumulated wealth and resources that contributed to its status as a formidable city.

The rise of Rome as a great and wealthy city during the period of the kings can be attributed to various factors. The city's strategic location on the Tiber River facilitated trade and commerce, enabling it to accumulate wealth through commercial activities and interaction with neighboring communities. Additionally, Rome's military prowess and successful conquests of neighboring territories contributed to its economic growth and prosperity.

The wealth and power of Rome during this period are evident in the archaeological evidence and historical accounts of the time. The construction of impressive public works, such as the Cloaca Maxima, an ancient sewer system, and the establishment of monumental structures, reflected the city's economic and social development. The accumulation of wealth also enabled the ruling elite to display their affluence through lavish lifestyles and grandiose public events.

Furthermore, Rome's status as a great and wealthy city during the period of the kings is underscored by its cultural and artistic achievements. The city's growing prosperity provided the resources and patronage necessary for the flourishing of art, architecture, and literature, laying the groundwork for the cultural legacy that would define the Roman civilization in the centuries to come.

Goldwin Smith's quote serves as a reminder of Rome's remarkable ascent during its early history and highlights the significance of the Roman Kingdom as a formative period in the city's development. It underscores the notion that Rome's emergence as a great and wealthy city was a pivotal precursor to its eventual rise as a dominant force in the ancient world.

In conclusion, Goldwin Smith's quote encapsulates the pivotal transformation of Rome during the period of the kings, emphasizing its emergence as a great and wealthy city. The quote sheds light on the economic, military, and cultural advancements that characterized Rome during this formative period, laying the groundwork for its future prominence in the ancient world. The rise of Rome as a significant power during the Roman Kingdom not only shaped its own destiny but also left an enduring legacy that continues to captivate and inspire generations to this day.